Useful Swahili Phrases You Should Learn

Swahili and English are the main languages spoken in Tanzania.  Here are some useful phrases:

English Swahili
Hello Jambo
How are you? Habari?
Fine Mzuri Sana
What’s your name? Jina lako nin nani?
My name is… Jina langu ni…
Goodbye Kwaheri
Please Tafadhali
Thank you Asante sana
Yes Ndio
No Hapana
Excuse me Samahani
Sorry Samehani
No thanks La asante
Where is toilet? Choo kiko wapi?
How much? How many? Ngapi?
How much is it? Ngapi shillings?
Wait Ngojea
Slow down (caution) Pole pole
May I take your picture? Nikupige picha?
I understand Naelewa
I don’t understand Sielewi
Do you speak English? Unasema Kiingeresa?
Elephant Tembo
Cheetah Duma
Lion Simba
Giraffe Twiga
Hippo Kiboko
Hartebeest Kongoni
Snake Nyoka